Investigating how depression and chronic pain affect Alzheimer's disease risk
Official title: Project 2: Depression and chronic pain: Modifiable targets for prevention of AD/ADRD
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10934715 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how untreated depression and chronic pain might affect memory and thinking skills, especially in older adults and those from underserved communities, to help find better ways to prevent Alzheimer's and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $581,589 |
| NIH project number | 1P01AG082653-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934715 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing depression and/or chronic pain, particularly those from marginalized communities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have depression or chronic pain, or who are younger than 21 years old, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between depression, chronic pain, and the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders (AD/ADRD). It aims to evaluate how untreated depression and chronic pain may contribute to cognitive decline and increase the risk of AD/ADRD, particularly in older adults and marginalized populations. The study will utilize large electronic health record databases and national cohorts to analyze the effects of depression and chronic pain on cognitive health over time. By comparing different populations and treatment approaches, the research seeks to identify effective strategies for prevention and intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease by addressing modifiable risk factors like depression and chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing depression can significantly impact cognitive health, suggesting that this approach may yield meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilsanz, Paola — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Gilsanz, Paola
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Depression and chronic pain: targets to prevent Alzheimer's disease and related disorders
A large, multi-year project will study how depression and chronic pain influence the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders in adults 21 and older, using real-world health data and surveys.
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Treating depression and chronic pain to lower dementia risk
This project looks at whether treating depression and chronic pain can lower the chance of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in older adults.
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This study is looking at how chronic low back pain and depression work together to affect how much pain people feel, and it’s for anyone dealing with these issues; by using smart technology to gather real-time information, the researchers hope to create personalized tools that can better predict and improve pain manage
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Combining brain stimulation and therapy to help veterans with chronic pain and depression
This study is exploring a new way to help veterans who are dealing with both chronic pain and depression by using a combination of brain stimulation and therapy to improve their pain and mood.
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Digital mental health support for older adults with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain
This study is creating a friendly app to help middle-aged and older adults who are dealing with depression or anxiety along with chronic pain, offering them tools and support to feel better and manage their pain more effectively.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.